the bump serum
The Bump Serum sells a clinically tested 3-step shaving system (gel, aftershave, and sealant moisturizer) designed to prevent razor bumps and pseudofolliculitis barbae, targeting Black men, military personnel, and sensitive-skin consumers via direct-to-consumer e-commerce, Amazon, Walmart, and AAFES.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2025
- HeadquartersSanta Monica, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What the bump serum does
The Bump Serum is a direct-to-consumer skincare brand that has developed a 3-step shaving system (Shaving Gel, Aftershave, and Sealant Moisturizer) designed to prevent and treat pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), commonly known as razor bumps. Founded in 2025 by Charles Johnson, an MBA graduate who experienced chronic razor bumps himself, the product was developed in collaboration with medical researcher Dr. Reginald Austin and chemists and dermatologists consulted during formulation. The system's core mechanism addresses inflammation throughout the shaving process: the gel minimizes razor-to-skin contact and friction, the liquid aftershave delivers natural anti-inflammatory ingredients (witch hazel, willow bark extract, green tea leaf extract) to reduce post-shave inflammation and condition curly hairs for straighter growth, and the sealant moisturizer uses emollients to trap moisture and unblock pores. Products are sold exclusively as The Bump Kit at $49.99 one-time or $44.99 per subscription cycle (30/45/60-day intervals, 10% discount), with each kit providing approximately a 30-day supply and packaged in a reusable magnetic luxury box. Distribution runs through the company's WooCommerce direct e-commerce site, Amazon, Walmart, and AAFES military exchanges.
The company operates a vertically-segmented go-to-market targeting Black men with PFB as the primary consumer, with secondary segments covering military personnel who must comply with daily shaving standards (supported by military/first responder discounts via Verifypass and a dedicated military shaving waivers information page) and general consumers with sensitive skin. An IRB-approved clinical pilot study conducted at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital demonstrated a 77% reduction in razor bumps after two weeks of full-system use and a 64% reduction in symptom severity VAS score. Manufacturing is outsourced to GAR Labs (with APR Packaging and Veritiv for packaging and supply chain). The leadership team combines MBA-level business leadership, CTO-level technical infrastructure ownership, medical research credentials (Karolinska Institute training), and military advisory expertise (retired US Naval Captain Dr. John Cordle). The company is founder-owned, privately held, and appears bootstrapped with no institutional funding disclosed.
the bump serum firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- the bump serum
- Legal name
- The Bump Serum, LLC
- Website
- https://thebumpserum.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2025
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- The Bump Serum sells a clinically tested 3-step shaving system (gel, aftershave, and sealant moisturizer) designed to prevent razor bumps and pseudofolliculitis barbae, targeting Black men, military personnel, and sensitive-skin consumers via direct-to-consumer e-commerce, Amazon, Walmart, and AAFES.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
the bump serum industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Men's Razor Bump Treatment
- NAICS
- Health and Personal Care Retailers (4561)
- SIC
- Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Shaving Prep & Post-Shave (Creams, Foams, Gels, Aftershaves) (CRABAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Men’s Facial Skincare (Cleansers, Moisturizers, Anti-aging) (CRABAGAD)
Keywords
Where the bump serum is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Monica
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
the bump serum business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Product Sales (One-time): One-time purchase of The Bump Kit at $49.99. Kit includes all three products (shaving gel 30ml, aftershave 15ml, sealant 15ml) with magnetic luxury box packaging.
- Subscription Service: Recurring subscription delivering the Bump Kit every 30, 45, or 60 days at $44.99 per cycle (10% discount). Features automatic recurring billing with customer management through Chargebee portal.
- Military and First Responder Discounts: Special discount programs for military personnel and first responders through verification platforms, driving additional sales volume from these segments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | One-time Purchase - The Bump Kit |
| Subscription | Monthly | Subscription - The Bump Kit |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
the bump serum product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Bump Serum sells The Bump Kit, a non-prescription three-step shaving system containing Shaving Gel, Aftershave, and Sealant Cream. Used before and after shaving, the products reduce razor-to-skin friction and inflammation, moisturize the skin, and help minimize pseudofolliculitis barbae, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs; the complete kit provides an approximately 30-day supply.
Product overview
The Bump Serum is a unified 3-step shaving system comprising three products: Shaving Gel, Aftershave, and Sealant Cream. Sold exclusively as The Bump Kit (products are not available separately), this evidence-based system is clinically tested to prevent and treat pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) in men. Each product serves a distinct function in the shaving process: the shaving gel minimizes razor-to-skin contact during shaving, the aftershave reduces inflammation post-shave, and the sealant cream traps moisture and unblocks pores for easier hair emergence. In a clinical pilot study at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, participants experienced a 77% reduction in razor bumps after two weeks.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- The Bump Kit A three-product, non-prescription shaving system for men experiencing pseudofolliculitis barbae, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, or shaving-related inflammation. The approximately 30-day kit contains 30 ml of Shaving Gel, 15 ml of Aftershave, and 15 ml of Sealant Cream in a reusable magnetic luxury box; the components are sold only as the complete kit.
Quantifiable outcome
- 77% reduction in razor bumps after 2 weeks of using all three products
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use the bump serum
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
the bump serum technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature5 records
the bump serum partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- GAR LabscoreManufacturing partner for The Bump Serum products. GAR Labs manufactures premium skincare products with advanced facilities and focus on sustainability, including significant investments in solar energy and environmentally responsible practices. They also manufacture products and supply packaging for top brands in cosmetics.
- APR PackagingcoreProduct manufacturer and packaging supplier for The Bump Serum. Listed as one of the key manufacturing partners alongside GAR Labs.
- VeritivminorPackaging supplier for The Bump Serum products, one of several manufacturing partners referenced on the company website.
- James A. Haley Veterans' HospitalcoreClinical trial site for The Bump Serum's pilot study on veterans with pseudofolliculitis barbae. Study conducted with IRB approval showing 77% reduction in razor bumps after 2 weeks.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
the bump serum competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bevel: Bevel (originally Walker & Co., acquired by Procter & Gamble) is the most direct comparable: a DTC men's grooming brand built specifically for Black men with curly/coarse hair, addressing razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Both target the same primary customer segment with similar product archetypes (shaving systems, moisturizers).
- Dr. Lorna's: Dr. Lorna's is a dermatology-founded skincare brand with strong positioning toward skin-of-color consumers and hyperpigmentation/irritation concerns. It overlaps with The Bump Serum on ingredient-driven, dermatologist-tested skincare for Black consumers.
- Cremo: Cremo is a premium men's grooming brand selling shaving creams, aftershaves, and beard care at drugstore/Amazon price points. It competes for the same shave-system real estate and offers direct substitutes in aftershave and shave-prep categories.
- Duke Cannon: Duke Cannon is a men's grooming brand with broad mass-market distribution (Target, Walmart, Amazon) and a similar shaving/skincare portfolio. It is a direct peer on product line, retail channel mix, and demographic targeting (men seeking straightforward grooming solutions).
- Jack Black: Jack Black is a premium men's skincare and shaving brand sold through Sephora, Ulta, and DTC. Its product line (shave creams, post-shave products, moisturizers) overlaps directly with The Bump Serum's three-step architecture, targeting similar premium-tier male consumers.
Broad incumbents
- SheaMoisture: SheaMoisture (Unilever) is a mass-market personal-care brand with deep heritage in Black consumer haircare and skincare. While broader in scope, it shares the same demographic positioning and competes for the same multicultural consumer wallet.
- Every Man Jack: Every Man Jack is a men's grooming brand with broad retail distribution and a shave-care portfolio. It competes on price and accessibility in the same category, though without The Bump Serum's clinical/PFB-specific positioning.
- The Art of Shaving: The Art of Shaving (owned by Procter & Gamble) is a premium men's shaving brand with retail boutiques, a proprietary shaving system, and aftershave/moisturizer products. It overlaps on the multi-product shaving-system concept and premium price positioning.
- Beiersdorf (Nivea Men): Nivea Men is the global mass-market incumbent in men's skincare and shaving. While not PFB-specific, it competes for the same shelf space at Walmart, Amazon, and AAFES, and has the R&D capacity to enter the PFB segment rapidly.
Emerging players
- Lumin: Lumin is a digitally-native men's skincare brand selling premium skincare, shaving, and hair products through DTC and Amazon. It represents a peer-of-business-model (DTC-first, digital-marketing-led) with overlapping post-shave and skincare products.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
the bump serum social profiles
Digital presencethe bump serum compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
the bump serum financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
the bump serum leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
the bump serum funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
the bump serum M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about the bump serum
What does the bump serum do?
The Bump Serum sells The Bump Kit, a non-prescription three-step shaving system containing Shaving Gel, Aftershave, and Sealant Cream. Used before and after shaving, the products reduce razor-to-skin friction and inflammation, moisturize the skin, and help minimize pseudofolliculitis barbae, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs; the complete kit provides an approximately 30-day supply.
Is the bump serum a public or private company?
the bump serum is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was the bump serum founded?
the bump serum was founded in 2025.
Where is the bump serum based?
the bump serum is headquartered in Santa Monica, United States, in the North America region.
How does the bump serum make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Product Sales (One-time) is the primary driver. The others are subscription Service and military and First Responder Discounts.
Who are the bump serum's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bevel, Dr. Lorna's, Cremo, Duke Cannon and Jack Black. Broad incumbents are SheaMoisture, Every Man Jack, The Art of Shaving and Beiersdorf (Nivea Men). Lumin is listed as an emerging player.
Does the bump serum have an API?
No public API is recorded for the bump serum.
What industry is the bump serum in?
the bump serum's product category is Men's Razor Bump Treatment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRABAGAB, Shaving Prep & Post-Shave (Creams, Foams, Gels, Aftershaves), with a secondary code of CRABAGAD, Men’s Facial Skincare (Cleansers, Moisturizers, Anti-aging). Its NAICS code is 4561 and its SIC code is 2844.